Raise money for Macmillan by taking part in this fun ride

Back for its sixth year, this popular charity ride has already raised over £31,000 and we find out why you should be booking your place for the 2017 event today.

Following the devastating loss of her cousin Michael in February 2012 to cancer Belinda Tyler decided to combine her passion for horses with fundraising for Macmillan. With very kind permission and support of Michael and Janette Eggington and their family at Park Farm Equestrian & Chasers Belinda organised her first charity ride in September 2012 with the hope of raising £1,000.

Thanks to the incredible support of many equestrian companies who donated fabulous prizes, and the 83 riders who took part, the final total raised for that first ride was over £2600.

Subsequently the ride has gone on to raise over £31,000 for Macmillan and gains in popularity each year.

The Ride is suitable for all ages and abilities from lead rein tots through to more senior experienced riders and everyone in between. Riders can choose whether to ride the 3 or 8 mile course which are both off road and have optional jumps.

Each year the equestrian community really get behind the ride and donate fantastic prizes for the tombola. These have included tickets to Olympia, tickets to HOYS, rugs, feed, equine massages, horse portraits, hoof products, cartoon caricatures, grooming products and much more. The tombola is always massively popular. In fact one year we had a lovely lady who was unfortunately unable to ride due to breaking her leg. But she still came along on crutches to buy tombola tickets as she was determined not to miss out on the opportunity to win one of the fabulous prizes!

As well as the ride many riders then take part in the handy pony event which is generously sponsored each year by Pertemps. This is a great opportunity to have fun with your horse or pony whilst leaning some new skills at the same time. Every year Louise Owen and her team come up with different obstacles and we know that 2017 will be no exception to that.

Billed as the equestrian equivalent of a Macmillan Coffee Morning, there is also no shortage of cake. Which after their ride everyone tucks into with gusto.

To help to raise even more money for Macmillan, this year riders are invited to take part in raising sponsorship if they want to. This is purely optional however there is a prize for the rider who raises the most sponsorship money of two tickets to the Puissance at Olympia.

2017 also sees a brand new event being added which is aimed specifically at nervous and/or novice rider. This will take place on Sunday 17 September and is the inaugural ‘Strictly Come Walk & Trot Confidence Event’. Entries to this special event are by pre-entry only.

Designed for anyone who has ever wanted to do a fun ride but lacks confidence, this event is a chance to come and have a great confidence boosting day with your horse or pony whilst raising money for Macmillan.

The day begins with a talk from Mary Stephens, an excellent confidence coach who will be on hand throughout the day to offer any additional support the riders may need.

Riders can go round the beautiful 3 mile course at Park Farm Equestrian & Chasers which is all off road. The ride will be strictly walk and trot only. Foot soldiers are welcome to accompany each rider but no dogs are allowed on the course. Lead rein riders of any age welcome, they will be in likeminded company and nobody will judge them if they would prefer to be led.

There is also an optional walk trot dressage test being judged by Kate Redley which riders can take part in too. All in a supportive, encouraging and fun environment.

The next ride takes place Saturday 16 September with the confidence event on Sunday 17 September.

Entries can be made for the ride on the 16 September here and for the confidence event on the Sunday 17 September here

But hurry entries close on 9 September

The team look forward to welcoming returning riders and new riders and to a weekend of fun raising lots more money for Macmillan Cancer Support.